Member States endorse Commission proposal to fill legal gaps for unitary patent protection
Published on: 04/03/2014

Ministers in the Council have adopted on 04/03/2014 the European Commission's proposal to complete the legal framework for Europe-wide patent protection, updating existing EU rules on the jurisdiction of courts and recognition of judgments.

The proposal will prepare the way for the Unified Patent Court to enter into force once ratified, making it easier for companies and inventors to protect their patents. The European Parliament now needs to vote on its report in plenary, which is expected at the latest in April 2014. Vice-President Reding said: “By making changes to the rules on recognition of judgements, we are paving the way for the new Unified Patent Court to begin its work," Commissioner Barnier added: "It is of crucial importance for Europe's competitiveness and growth that our businesses and innovators benefit from patent protection at a lower cost".